When Do You Get a New Ball in Cricket? A Guide to the Laws

The state of a cricket ball changes constantly throughout a match. From the moment it is first used, its condition begins to deteriorate, affecting the game’s flow, strategy, and the balance between bat and ball. Because of this, the Laws of Cricket include specific rules on when a new ball can or must be introduced. These rules vary significantly across different formats of the game, from the long-form Test matches to the short and explosive T20s.

The Deterioration of a Cricket Ball

A new cricket ball is a bowler’s best friend. Its hard, smooth surface and prominent seam allow for maximum swing and seam movement. However, as the ball is hit, bowled, and thrown, it naturally softens, scuffs, and loses its shine.

The seam flattens, and the ball becomes easier for batsmen to hit. This natural wear and tear is what makes the laws regarding new balls so important they ensure the fielding team has a fair chance to take wickets throughout the match.

If a ball is lost, becomes heavily damaged, or loses its shape during play, the on-field umpires will replace it. However, this is not considered a “new ball” in the same strategic sense. The replacement ball will be one of a similar condition to the one being replaced, chosen from a box of used balls carried by the umpires. A brand-new ball is only introduced at pre-defined stages of an innings.

New Ball Rules in Different Cricket Formats

The regulations for introducing a new ball are tailored to the length and nature of each format.

New Ball in Test and First-Class Cricket

In Test cricket, a red ball is used, and the laws are designed to cater to a match that can last up to five days.

Initial Ball:

A new ball is given to the fielding team at the start of each innings.

The 80-Over Rule:

The fielding captain is given the option to take a second new ball after 80 overs have been completed. This is a strategic decision; captains often wait until the last possible moment to take the new ball, hoping to use a fresh, hard ball to get a burst of wickets. If a captain chooses not to take the new ball at the 80-over mark, they can do so at any point thereafter.

This rule is a crucial tactical element of Test cricket. A captain can use the older ball for reverse swing before a fast bowler uses the new ball to generate pace and conventional swing.

New Ball in One Day Internationals (ODIs)

One Day International (ODI) cricket follows a different set of rules that were introduced in 2011 to maintain a balance between bat and ball. A white ball is used in this format, and it tends to wear out faster and lose its shine more quickly than a red ball.

Two New Balls:

To combat this, the fielding side is provided with two new white balls, one for each end of the pitch.

Simultaneous Use:

Each ball is bowled from a different end and is used for a maximum of 25 overs (half of the 50-over innings). This ensures the bowling side always has a relatively new ball at their disposal, which helps to preserve its hardness and shine throughout the innings. The process is repeated for the second innings.

This rule eliminates the strategic decision of when to take a new ball and provides a consistent opportunity for bowlers to get swing and bounce.

New Ball in Twenty20 (T20) Cricket

The Twenty20 (T20) format is the shortest and fastest version of the game. A single new white ball is used for each innings.

One New Ball:

The fielding team receives just one new ball at the start of the innings.

No Replacement Option:

Given the short 20-over duration, there is no option to take a new ball later in the innings, as the ball does not have enough time to significantly deteriorate to a point where it would be considered unfair.

The fast-paced nature of T20 cricket makes this simple rule logical and fair for both teams.

Why the New Ball Rules are Essential

The laws governing when a new ball can be introduced are vital to maintaining the competitive integrity of cricket. They are a strategic counterbalance to the increasing dominance of batsmen in the modern game.

By providing bowlers with a fresh, hard ball at key moments, the rules ensure that the fielding side always has an opportunity to generate pace, swing, and spin, thereby keeping the contest between bat and ball as exciting and balanced as possible.